School of Global Studies

Environmental Anthropology (L6101)

Environmental Anthropology

Module L6101

Module Outline

This module considers the cross-cultural study of relations between people and their environment. Like the focus of many environmental movements, much recent work in ecological anthropology has been crisis-driven, and whilst covering this literature the focus will be broader, taking a wider perspective including the context in which the research itself is being done. Current work on the human dimensions of deforestation, or global climate change, for example, can be informed and strengthened by an understanding of the century-old intellectual lineage of the underlying issues. The module will therefore cover the evolution of environmental anthropology, using ethnographic exemplars that relate to contemporary environmental issues, whilst at the same time probing debates such as (a) the Nature-Culture trap, and beyond; (b) Ecology and Social Organisation, (c) the Politics of Natural Resources and the Environment, (including environmental anthropological contributions to mining, resource conflict etc.), (d) knowing (and the limits to knowing) and researching the environment

Module learning outcomes

An ability to deploy established techniques of analysis and enquiry to an original research topic

Ability to devise an original question and marshall analytical tools and evidence to sustain original conclusions

A coherent and detailed knowledge informed by, or at the forefront of Environmental Anthropology

Dr Nigel Eltringham

Miss Emilia Roycroft

Miss Susan Chater

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